Category Archives: Daguerreotypes

Aldrich, L.

Daguerreotypes, ,

1846-1847       7 Batchelder’s Block, Saco, Maine.

1846 October 13.  Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine.)  October 13, 1846, Vol. XVIII, No. 9, P. 2.

Good Likenesses.  We would advise all those who wish for good likenesses of themselves or friends, to call at Aldrich’s Daguerrian Rooms, in Batchelder’s New Block, Factory Island.—He has some of the finest specimens of the art we ever saw; he does pictures up in good style, cheap—and he lets no picture go unless the customer is perfectly satisfied.  Call and see his specimens.

1846    December 1.  Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine.)  December 1, 1846, Vol. XVIII, No. 16, P. 3.

Improvement Is The Order Of The Day.  Macomber & Co., Successor To L. Aldrich, Would invite all persons interested in procuring Daguerreotype Likenesses of themselves or friends, copies from portraits, miniatures, paintings, engravings, or statuary, &c., to call at Batchelder’s Block, No. 7, Up Stairs, and examine our specimens.  Our arrangements are such that we take miniatures of children of any age, and diseased persons at their residences.

Having obtained the late improvements in the art by Hough & Co., of Providence, R. I., which enables him to warrant in every case a perfect likeness, as strongly brought out as the finest painting or engraving.  Prices much lower than ever before offered in Saco.  Miniatures put up in the best manner and warranted not to fade or spot, in gold & plated lockets, pins, cases or frames.

They will also attend to give instruction in the art, and keep for sale gold and plated Lockets and Pins.  Also, Plates, Cases, Frames, and Chemicals.

Picture Gallery open from 8½ A. M., to 9 P. M.

Miniatures put up in Satin Cases for $1.50.  Lockets and Frames at corresponding prices.

Alderdice, Charles W.

Daguerreotypes, ,

1858                135 Bowery, New York, New York.

1858 November 8.  New York Daily Tribune.  (New York, New York.)  November 8, 1858, Vol. XVIII, No. 545, P. 7.

A Colored Speculator Arrested.—Last Thursday Morning a colored man named Thomas Osborn went to Mr. Charles W. Alderdice’s daguerreian gallery, no. 135 Bowery, and had three pictures taken of himself, which he ordered to be sent across the street to a jeweler’s store.  Mr. Alderdice sent his boy with Osborn, who managed to get the daguerreotypes away from him on a promise that he would return and pay for them.  The next that was heard of him was that he went to the wholesale provision establishment of Mr. H. A. Cragin, in Chrystie street, where he bargained for about $65 worth of hams, bacon, lard, &c., which he ordered to be sent to the foot of Delancey street, East River, to the steamship Washington.  He also went to Mr. Joseph Haight’s grocery store, corner of Chrystie and Stanton streets, and bought two firkins of butter, which were ordered to be sent to the same place.  The provisions were sent there, and the ship not being found, they were taken to the North River where she was lying at the dock.  Upon inquiry, no such person as Osborn could be found.  His next speculation was at the stall of Mr. Wm. Sager, No. 38 Fulton Market, where he purchased a side of beef, but whether he succeeded in defrauding Mr. Sager we are not informed.  Mr. Alderdice kept a sharp lookout for him, and succeeded in recovering two of the pictures at a house in Sixth street, between the Bowery and Second avenue.  Last night Officer James Eagan of the eleventh Precinct, who had been watching for Osborn, arrested him at the house in Sixth street.  He was locked up for the night.  He will be taken before Justice Steers, at the Essex Market Police Court, this morning, for examination.

Adams, Samuel

Daguerreotypes, ,

1847                Rooms opposite the Post Office, Hallowell, Maine.

1847-1848       Rooms over R. Pope’s Watchmaker’s Shop, Hallowell, Maine.

1847 June 5.  Maine Cultivator and Hallowell Gazette.  (Hallowell, Maine.)  June 5, 1847, Vol. VIII, No. 38, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Room.  Daguerreotype Likenesses taken by the subscriber at his room opposite the Post Office, where specimens may be seen.  Satisfaction warranted.  Samuel Adams.

Advertisement ran from June 5 to July 24, 1847

1847 July 31.  Maine Cultivator and Hallowell Gazette.  (Hallowell, Maine.)  July 31, 1847, Vol. VIII, No. 46, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Likenesses.  The Subscriber would inform those that are in want of Likenesses of themselves or friends, that he will remain in Hallowell two or three weeks from date, and will be happy to wait upon any who may want his services.  Sam’l Adams.

Advertisement ran from July 31 to October 23, 1847.

1847 October 23.  Maine Cultivator and Hallowell Gazette.  (Hallowell, Maine.)  October 23, 1847, Vol. IX, No. 6, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Miniatures.  The Subscriber would inform the citizens of Hallowell and vicinity, that he has taken rooms over R. Pope’s Watchmaker’s shop, four doors from Winthrop Street, where he is prepared to execute Perfect and Durable Daguerreotype Likenesses in the latest and most improved style, with or without color, single or in groups.  He will also copy from other Daguerreotypes and Portraits.  Likenesses taken at Houses on reasonable terms.  Prices $1.50 and upwards.  Samuel Adams.

Advertisement ran from October 23 to November13, 1847.

1848 March 11.  Maine Cultivator and Hallowell Gazette.  (Hallowell, Maine.)  March 11, 1848, Vol. IX, No. 26, P. 2.

We would call attention to the advertisement of S. A. Adams, Daguerreotype Artist, who takes miniatures of the first order, as any one can see by examining specimens at his rooms.

1848 March 11.  Maine Cultivator and Hallowell Gazette.  (Hallowell, Maine.)  March 11, 1848, Vol. IX, No. 26, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Miniatures.  The Subscriber still continues at his rooms, over R. Pope’s Watchmaker’s shop, 4 doors from Winthrop street, where he will be happy to try his skill on all who may wish to patronize him, and trust by the continued improvements he is making in the Photographic art. to be able to give perfect satisfaction to all.

Likenesses taken with or without shades on the face.

Price $1.50 and upwards.  Hallowell, March 9.  Samuel Adams.

Advertisement ran from March 11 to April 15, 1848.

Adams, John S.

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1846                115 Court Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

1846 March 16.  The Daily Chronotype.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  March 16, 1846, Vol. 1, No. 16, P. 3.

John S. Adams, daguerreotype Rooms, No. 115 Court Street, Corner of Sudbury St., Boston. Daguerreotype Miniatures taken at all hours of the day, without regard to the weather—either single or in groups—plain or colored—upon the most favorable terms.  Ladies and gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens, which for beauty of execution, superior finish and Legibility, cannot be excelled.  In these, every feature is fully brought out and distinctly seen, and the life-like appearance which Miniatures from this establishment assume, cannot fail to give the most perfect satisfaction.

By a new process they undergo, the proprietor is enabled to warrant them to retain their color and not to change in the least by exposure to the air or light.

Daguerreotype Apparatus, Plates, Cases, &c., for sale at low price and warranted.  Instruction for the use given gratis.  March 7. Advertisement ran from March 16 to April 7, 1846.

John S. Adams was recorded in 1846 in the partnership of Adams & Robinson.[1]

[1] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 139-1900.

Abel, Henry I.

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1841-1842       123 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[i]

1841 September 2.  Boston Daily Evening Transcript.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  September 2, 1841, Vol. XII. No. 3406, P. 3

Daguerreotype Miniature Rooms, No. 123 Washington street, over Lows, Ball and Company.  The subscriber begs leave to call the attention to the public to specimens of Daguerreotype Miniature Portraits executed by him.  He has recently made some highly successful experiments, by which the time required in sitting is materially lessened, while the distinctness and legibility of the portrait is increased.  The fidelity to the original which mark these miniatures and the ease and rapidity with which they are taken, render them superior to all other portraits.

Persons desirous of making themselves acquainted with the Photographic process, may receive such instructions as will enable them to take portraits, drawings, & c. in very brief space of time.  H.I. Able & Co., Successors to J. S. F. Huddleston & Co.        Advertisement ran from September 2 to December 15, 1841.

1841 September 20.  Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association

Exhibited daguerreotypes at the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association third exhibition fair in Boston, Massachusetts.

1841 September 26.  Boston Daily Evening Transcript.  (Boston, Massachusetts.) Vol. XII, No. 3430, P. 2.

Mechanics Fair…Fine Specimens of Daguerreotype Miniatures by H. J. Abel & Co.

1841 October 15.  Boston Daily Evening Transcript.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  October 15, 1841, Vol. XII, No. 3443, P. 2,

Daguerreotype.  Mr. H. I. Abell, (sic.) 123 Washington Street, has shown us some beautiful photographic miniatures, which indicate that he has attained to great perfection in this novel and ingenious process of transferring a person’s phiz to a silver plate, in considerable less than no time.  One great excellence in his miniatures is the distinctness with which the features are delineated.  Those who wish to see themselves as they are seen, have but to call at his room, and he will at any time show them up.

[i] A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

Update

Daguerreotypes

New posts will begin March 1. With well over 4,000 files that include individual daguerreians, ambrotypists, photographers, partnerships, suppliers, and artists that worked coloring images I felt a need to rethink how I am sharing information. 

Previously I only posted new names that had not been published before or additional information about known individuals. With this phase I will post all of my files under 20 to 25 typed pages.  Information from published photographic directories is not included. Also not included are well known image makers who had long careers or advertised daily and whose files can exceed hundreds of typed pages. 

Each entry will begin with the photographer’s name followed by an activity summary based on my current research. Next is a chronological list of appearances in publications illustrating the progression of information followed by publication citation.  Finally, the text transcription itself. 

Note: [ ? ] means that I could not read the text.  [Text] is my best guess based on clarity of the scan.  Spelling and punctuation appear as in the original publications and have not been corrected for modern usage.  

UpDate

Daguerreotypes

On January 29, 2018 I started sharing my research of new names and new information about early photographers here.  April 2, 2023 marks the second complete alphabetical review. While I am continuing this research there are also several projects that I want to devote more time to. The blog with be taking a break and resume in the fall.

Gilbert Wood

Daguerreotypes, ,

C. 1848-1850    Address Unknown, Alstead, New Hampshire.

Gilbert Wood appeared in the same announcement in two different newspapers.  The first appeared on November 21.  1850 in the Congregational Journal (Concord, New Hampshire).  At Ossipee, the 6th inst., at his brother-in-law’s. Rev. Horace Wood, Mr. Gilbert Wood, of Alstead, aged 28 years.

For several years he had been engaged in teaching writing and taking Daguerreotype likenesses, which gave him an opportunity of securing a large number of intimate friends, to whom he was firmly attached and the to him.  He had been a professor of religion fifteen years.  His sickness was very painful and protracted, which he bore with patience and resignation.  His trust was in God, and his end was peace.  One sister and five brothers survive to mourn his loss, beside a large circle of more distant connections.

Gentle thy passing spirit fled,

Sustained by grace divine,

Oh may such grace on us be shed,

And make our end like thine. 

The second appeared on November 22, 1850 in the New Hampshire Statesman (Concord, New Hampshire).  At Ossipee, the 6th inst., at his brother-in-law’s. Rev. Horace Wood, Mr. Gilbert Wood, of Alstead, aged 28 years.

For several years he had been engaged in teaching writing and taking Daguerreotype likenesses, which gave him an opportunity of securing a large number of intimate friends, to whom he was firmly attached and the to him.  He had been a professor of religion fifteen years.  His sickness was very painful and protracted, which he bore with patience and resignation.  His trust was in God, and his end was peace.  One sister and five brothers survive to mourn his loss, beside a large circle of more distant connections.

Gentle thy passing spirit fled,

Sustained by grace divine,

Oh may such grace on us be shed,

And make our end like thine. 

Gilbert Wood is not recorded in other photographic directories.

G. Wilson

Daguerreotypes, ,

1842                Three doors north of the Cheshire House, Keene, New Hampshire.

1845                3 Lamson’s Building, Keene, New Hampshire.

G. Wilson was recorded in two advertisements.  The first appeared on September 14, 1842 in the  Cheshire Republican and Farmer’s Museum (Keene, New Hampshire).  Photographic Miniatures.  Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully informed that rooms are again open, three doors north of the Cheshire House, for taking Daguerreotype Miniatures.

G. Wilson having returned from Boston, and vicinity, where he has devoted his attention to the acquisition of the recent improvements in the above art, flatters himself that he can produce Miniatures that will not fail to please.

N. Wilson, grateful for past favors, would inform the public that the Watch and Jewelry business is carried on in connection with the above business.  Also, that the Finest as well as common Watches will be cleaned and repaired in superior style, as usual.

Miniatures taken from Portraits with perfect fidelity.

The second advertisement appeared in October 23, 1845 in the Cheshire Republican and Farmer (Keene, New Hampshire).  Cheshire Photographic Institute, G. Wilson, Having returned from Boston, where he has availed himself of the latest improvements, will take Superior Pictures at reduced prices.  His long experience he trusts, will secure him public confidence.

Rooms, No. 3, Lamson’s Building.

G. Wilson is not recorded in other photographic directories.  There were only three newspapers available between 1842-1845 (he was not listed in the May 8, 1845 issue), and only one issue on July 16, 1856 which he was not recorded in.  According to the first advertisement it appears that he was active in Keene before September 14, 1842.

Simeon Williams

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , ,

1848                Clinton House, Clinton, Massachusetts.

1849                82 Main Street, Waits Block, Worcester, Massachusetts.[1]

1851                Address Unknown, Claremont, New Hampshire

Simeon Williams was recorded in two books, two advertisements and one announcement.  The first book he was mentioned in was the History of the Origin of the Town of Clinton, Massachusetts 1653-1865 by Andrew E. Ford, 1896.  Daguerrean Artists.  P. 397…S. Williams, who had a saloon near the Clinton House [Clinton, Massachusetts].

The second book he was mentioned in wasThe Worcester Historical Society Publications  (Worcester, Massachusetts.)  New Series Vol. I, No. 8, April 1935, p. 438…During the year 1846 we find the firm of White and Andrews located in the Central Exchange.  They appear to have remained in business only for a brief period.  Other men in the field before 1850 were Lewis Babbitt, Simeon Williams and M. S. Chapin.

The first advertisement ran from January 8 to April 18, 1849 in the Worcester Daily Spy  (Worcester, Massachusetts).  Daguerreotypes for 75 Cents, S. Williams, the proprietor of the City Daguerreotype Gallery, having taken the Rooms formerly occupied by A. Morse, in Wait’s Block, No. 82 Main Street, nearly opposite the Eagle Hotel, and fitted them up with new and Enlarged Lights, arranged and perfectly adapted to the business, is prepared to execute Daguerreotype Likenesses superior to those taken or exhibited at any other establishment in Worcester.  This is the only place in this City where a first rate Daguerreotype can be obtained for Seventy-five Cents—notwithstanding the advertisements to the contrary by Boys who are employed to clean plates at a certain other establishment, the proprietor of which has, for the past seven or eight months, been floating upon the reputation of another Artist.

The object of this advertisement is to inform the public where they can procure a Daguerreotype for the above price, executed by a skillful Artist; instead of being made subjects for the practice of inexperienced Youths.

The announcement appeared on October 23, 1851 in the National Eagle (Claremont, New Hampshire).  Daguerreotypes.  In another part of this paper may be found the advertisement of Messrs. Bundy & Williams, Daguerreotypists.  We have seen some specimens of their work, and they are certainly very fine.  We know not that we ever saw Daguerreotype pictures so clear and life-like, as may be found among their specimens.  Call and see them.

The second advertisement ran from October 23 to November 13, 1851 in the National Eagle.

Daguerreotypes.  The citizens of this village and vicinity are respectfully solicited to visit the Daguerrian Gallery of Messrs. J. K. Bundy and S. Williams, now stopping in this place, where may be found a better assortment of Specimens of the Daguerrian Art than has ever been exhibited here before.  The artists guarantee that every judge of Pictures that will call shall feel satisfied that this is the fact, and they shall be shown pictures of some of the most distinguished men of the age, and also some of the most beautiful ladies in New England.

The subscribers are prepared to take and pit up pictures in every variety of style, from the miniature for a finger ring up to as large a size as desired, and at such a reasonable rate that all shall be satisfied.  For clearness of tone and strength of likeness, no picture taken in the country have ever surpassed them.  A dull, smokey, greasy looking Daguerreotype is worse than nothing, and we wish our pictures compared with those formerly taken in this place.—Will Ladies and Gentlemen give us an early call, as our stay must be very short.

Testimonials of the most flattering character will be shown if desired.

Copying of every description done to order.

Ladies and Gentlemen, will be better satisfied with Pictures in dark drapery.

Children should sit in mid-day in fair weather—all others in any weather and at all hours.

We are also acting agents for the sale of Smith & Green’s Seraphines and Melodeons, a beautiful instrument, manufactured with Carkart’s Improvement, and we are authorized to sell them at a more reasonable rate than they can be purchased at any other place.  We have one specimen at our carriage.  Also for sale, Sheet Music.  J. K. Bundy, S. Williams.

Simeon Williams is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1849.

[1] A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.